03 April 2022
Juventus picked up a crucial 3-1 victory at home to Sampdoria on Sunday, showing little sign of the physical and mental toll of their mid-week Champions League contest in Lyon.
The three points earned in Vinovo – thanks to first-half goals from Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea, and rounded off after the interval by Arianna Caruso's spot-kick – were all the more important after second-placed Roma's win in their lunch-time clash with Hellas Verona.
With three matches to go in the league season, the win leaves the Bianconere five points ahead of their closest rivals. It also means the team have secured qualification for next year's Champions League.
The contest with Sampdoria commenced in a similar vein to the teams' reverse fixture earlier in the season, as a tight and hard-fought affair played out. The visiting side were well-organised and compact in defence, offering Juventus precious little space to do damage. The hosts needed a set piece to get their noses in front, as Girelli headed into the net following a corner on 28 minutes.
Juventus did not wait long before adding to their lead. Just four minutes later, after another corner was sent into the box, Bonansea pounced on some hesitant defending from the Samp rear-guard to fire home.
The home team then managed the game expertly after the half-time interval, continuing to look the more likely side to score. A third goal arrived with just under 20 minutes to play when Caruso dispatched a penalty kick after substitute Lisa Boattin was fouled in the box.
The only slight disappointment for Joe Montemurro's side was the failure to keep a clean sheet, as Samp substitute Caterina Bargi bagged a consolation goal on 83 minutes. Nonetheless, it was a crucial win ahead of the international break, with league action to resume on the weekend of 23/24 April.
